Rollins: “I can’t be traded”

Jimmy Rollins reiterated today that he will not be going anywhere, responding to an earlier report from Buster Olney of ESPN.com. Olney said that members of the organization would like to move on from Rollins, as he has not taken on a leadership role in the way they’ve wanted.

Rollins spoke at length about the issue today in Clearwater and told the Inquirer this:

Rollins, who has a full no-trade clause, was relaxed when discussing the matter and didn’t seem irritated for one simple reason.

“Because they can’t trade me,” he said. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t care which way it has tried to be twisted or said, if it is exactly how it was said or if it was said, I can’t be traded.”

Sounds like a man who knows what he wants. And Since Rollins owns the 10/5 rights, he can decline any deal, and it appears he will.

Ruben Amaro seemed disgusted when asked about this:

“It’s absolutely silly, It’s absolute silliness. Jimmy Rollins is our shortstop,” Amaro said. “One of the ways we’re going to be able to win is with Jimmy being Jimmy. In fact, those are the kinds of articles that get thrown out there, not only are they a distraction, they’re dangerous and they’re untrue.”

So which is it? Do high ranking members of the Phillies want Rollins out? Or do you believe Amaro, that these are dangerous accusations?

This seems to be a topic that will not go away for the foreseeable future, and Rollins seems to care not.